Dec 23, 2021

Salina man arrested after 'slow-speed pursuit' early today

Posted Dec 23, 2021 5:10 PM

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post

A Salina man was arrested on multiple requested charges, including possession of methamphetamine, after leading police on a "slow-speed pursuit" through part of the city early this morning.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that at approximately 1:10 a.m. Thursday, an officer in the 300 block of S. Fourth Street observed a silver 2006 Nissan Altima with an illegal license plate. The officer attempted to stop the Altima, but the driver refused to stop, initiating what Forrester called a "slow-speed pursuit," during which, the driver drove the speed limit and stopped at stop signs.

During the pursuit, the driver was allegedly observed throwing something white from the car in the 300 block of N. Oakdale Avenue. Officers located three chunks of methamphetamine that weighed a total of 18.4 grams, Forrester said.

<b>Bell, Deric Joseph.</b> Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office
Bell, Deric Joseph. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office

The car eventually was disabled when stop sticks were deployed at the E. Elm Street/Des Moines Avenue intersection, Forrester said. The driver, identified as Deric Bell, Sr., 30, of Salina, allegedly stopped the car in the middle of the street in the 300 block of N. Columbia Avenue, and fled on foot, Forrester said.

A K-9 was deployed and Bell surrendered nearby.

Forrester said Bell was arrested on the following requested charges.

●Possession of methamphetamine

●No drug tax stamp

●Flee and elude

●Interference with a law enforcement officer

●Driving while suspended, second conviction

●Driving while a habitual violator

●No proof of insurance

●Illegal vehicle registration

●Littering